A NEWLY renovated art gallery is set to open to the public this weekend with a brand new exhibition. 

Abbot Hall, one of Britain's leading small art galleries, will officially open to the public on Saturday, May 20. 

Set in a restored Grade I listed Georgian building on the banks of River Kent, the gallery was temporarily closed in February 2020 to undertake essential renovation work. 

The gallery reopens as a place for the community to gather, experience art and be inspired to create. 

The first exhibition entitled What is it That Will Last? will be from Scotland-based artist Julie Brook.  

Running across both floors of Abbot Hall, this immersive exhibition of film, drawing and photography spannes recent works made in the Outer Hebrides and in the Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan and Cumbria.

Julie Brook's work frequently emerges from her inhabitation of a landscape and its materials. Exposed to the full range of natural forces, these works are often transient in character, or eventually eroded by the elements. 

Julie Brook said: "I am so pleased to have my work exhibited in the Lake District. The show at Abbot Hall will focus on work I've made in remote landscapes in the form of sound, film, photography and drawing."

Rhian Harris, Chief Executive of Lakeland Arts, said: "We are delighted to be reopening Abbot Hall with a stunning exhibition by the British artist Julie Brook. This is the start of a new era for Abbot Hall as a welcoming and vibrant space for all."

Abbot Hall will also launch a new digital gallery guide to enrich both onsite and offsite visits.

The free guide joins more than 150 cultural institutions around the globe on the Bloomberg Connects network.

Helen Stalker, Lakeland Arts Senior Producer (Collections), said: "Abbot Hall will offer a new exhibition and engagement programme that explores dynamic stories behind landscape, ecology and identity. This signals a new direction for the refurbished gallery.”

On the opening weekend Abbot Hall is promising family activities both inside and outside the gallery.

A creative space will offer a place to relax with a coffee bar serving drinks and cakes.

The opening weekend will start from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May.

For more information visit Abbot Hall's website here: https://www.abbothall.org.uk